FC Dallas forward Kenny Cooper leaves Portland to return home for family emergency

League leaders FC Dallas will be without attacker Kenny Cooper when they face the Portland Timbers on Saturday (5 p.m. ET, ESPN) after the MLS veteran left Portland to return to Dallas for a family emergency.

The club confirmed made the announcement one hour before game time via a statement.

"FC Dallas asks that you keep Kenny and his family in your thoughts and prayers while also respecting their privacy," according to the statement.

Frenchman Eric Hassli, who has just two starts on the year, replaced Cooper (12 starts) in the starting lineup against the Timbers.